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Discovering the wonderful underwater world of South Ari Atoll

Maldives Promotion House – If Maafushivaru Island could be picked up and placed anywhere we wanted to put it, we would not move a thing, the marine life in South Ari Atoll is amongst the most spectacular in the Maldives. The reefs are in beautiful condition, there are wreck dives, sand banks and deserted islands. We even have our very own desert island just a few metres from the resort.
Maafushivaru offers a wide range of excursions that takes advantage of pristine surroundings. Guests will always have a new experience to try out. Some highlights include the nearby Boli Thila where you can see turtles swimming, the local Marine Reserve where you can regularly see whale sharks and manta rays, and the ever popular Coral Garden where you can experience an explosion of corals together with a myriad of colourful marine life. Night snorkelling with torches are also offered. For something different, you can even try a full day Explorer Trip which includes a Beach Barbeque.
The island Marine Biologist is always on hand to explain and lead these excursions. He makes sure that even the beginners can enjoy these moments by offering complimentary introductory snorkelling lessons every other day.
For those who prefer not to get wetthey also offer a bi-weekly sunset cruise often escorted by dolphin pods, night fishing, big game fishing, taking a trip to the local islands or even hiring a private boat.
When you have travelled all the way to the Maldives the underwater experience and the fiery sunsets are memories that will last a lifetime. Maafushivaru and delightful desert island Lonubo with their beautiful crystal clear lagoons help form these memories.
Maafushivaru Maldives is a typical island epitomizing all the one dreams of when thinking of the Maldives. With its small island charm, lush vegetation surrounded by the white beaches and a house reef that provides an enchanting snorkelling experience.
The island is just over 500 metres in length and even has its own baby island, Lonubo, in the same Lagoon. Lonubo is exclusively for the use of Maafushivaru guests and your holiday on Maafushivaru will not be complete without at least one visit to this beautiful deserted islet.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives
Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’
Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.
The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.
Featured
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.
With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).
“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”
As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.
By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.
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